At a Glance
- Tasks: Support design management and coordinate multidisciplinary activities for a major energy project.
- Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a leader in engineering and construction.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, career development, and work in a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are valued; all backgrounds encouraged to apply.
- Why this job: Shape the UK's energy future while collaborating with industry professionals on impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering or construction, strong communication skills, and a collaborative mindset.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Wimbledon Asset Replacement Project | National Grid Infrastructure
Shape the future of the UK's energy network. Laing O'Rourke is seeking a Deputy Design Manager to join the Wimbledon Asset Replacement Project, a major National Grid substation upgrade that will play a vital role in strengthening critical UK energy infrastructure. This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive and experienced team delivering a complex, high‑profile project with a long programme ahead. You'll gain exposure to major infrastructure delivery, work alongside respected industry professionals and develop the skills needed to progress your career. Success in this role comes as much from building relationships, coordinating stakeholders and bringing people together around shared solutions as it does from technical expertise. If you enjoy working collaboratively, influencing positive outcomes and solving complex challenges with others, we'd love to hear from you.
The Opportunity
As Deputy Design Manager, you'll support the management and coordination of multidisciplinary design activities, helping to ensure designs are safe, buildable, compliant and aligned with project objectives. Working closely with the Design Manager, engineering teams, delivery teams and external consultants, you'll play a key role in turning complex technical requirements into practical, deliverable solutions.
What You'll Do
- Coordinate and monitor design activities across multiple disciplines.
- Support the development and management of design programmes and deliverables.
- Facilitate collaborative design reviews and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Ensure designs meet technical, safety, quality and operational requirements.
- Help manage design risks, opportunities and change throughout the project lifecycle.
- Support construction teams by resolving technical queries and ensuring design intent is maintained.
- Monitor and report design progress against programme requirements.
- Contribute to innovation, continuous improvement and digital ways of working.
What We're Looking For
We're interested in people who can combine technical understanding with strong collaboration and communication skills. You'll likely have:
- Experience working within engineering, infrastructure or construction environments.
- Experience coordinating design consultants or multidisciplinary teams.
- The ability to build positive relationships and bring stakeholders together to achieve project goals.
- Strong communication, coordination and problem‑solving skills.
- An understanding of design management, engineering assurance or project delivery processes.
- A collaborative mindset and desire to learn and develop.
- A degree or equivalent qualification in an engineering, construction or design‑related discipline.
Professional chartership is welcomed but not essential. We recognise that great candidates may not meet every requirement listed. If you have relevant experience and believe you could add value to the team, we'd encourage you to apply.
Why Join Us?
Be Part of a Nationally Significant Project
The Wimbledon Asset Replacement Project will help enhance the resilience and reliability of the UK's electricity network, supporting homes, businesses and communities for years to come.
Long‑Term Career Development
This is a rare opportunity to join a major infrastructure programme with a lengthy delivery horizon. You'll gain valuable experience across the project lifecycle while developing the skills, confidence and exposure needed for future career progression.
Supportive Team Environment
You'll be part of an experienced and collaborative team that values knowledge sharing, mentoring and professional development. We believe the best outcomes are achieved when people work together and support one another's success.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement
At Laing O'Rourke, we're committed to finding better ways of delivering complex projects. You'll have opportunities to contribute ideas, embrace digital tools and help shape innovative solutions.
What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?
Whilst technical knowledge is important, the people who thrive as Deputy Design Managers are often those who enjoy connecting teams, building strong working relationships and creating clarity across complex projects. You'll be supported by experienced colleagues who value collaboration, curiosity and continuous learning.
About Laing O'Rourke
Laing O'Rourke is an international engineering and construction company delivering some of the world's most complex and challenging infrastructure projects. We combine engineering excellence with modern methods of construction, digital innovation and a commitment to delivering sustainable outcomes for our customers and communities.
Diversity & Inclusion
At Laing O'Rourke, we're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and able to fulfil their potential. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives because we know diverse teams deliver stronger results. Even if your experience doesn't match every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We value potential, curiosity and a willingness to learn just as highly as experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Design Manager in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Laing O'Rourke, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Deputy Design Manager at Laing O'Rourke.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Design Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
